Activity 1

Internet Access For The Homeless
Ways in which Internet access could change the life of a homeless person are listed below and real world examples of how it would help.

The ability to get information on government grants to help homeless people. If someone can access this information they will be able to apply for money that can be used to pay for accommodation, which intern will allow the person to apply for work.
By being able to get onto the Internet a homeless person will also be able to use online education services. This will improve the person’s chances of being able to get a job, which will help the homeless person to get off the streets.
If a homeless person can access the Internet, they will be able to get onto social networking pages to get in touch with family. If this person can get in touch with family they can ask for help to get back on their feet and possible get housing or a job.
Another way that having access to the Internet can help a homeless is that they are able to get information about medical advice. The person could go onto the NHS website, for example, to get directions to the nearest help centre that they can discuss health problems with.
A final way in which a homeless person can benefit from having access to the Internet is they can get information about places homeless people can go for services such as health care or even a shower. This will make the persons day a bit better.

Not Having Access To The Internet

By not having access to the Internet, homeless people will incur the following problems. And with each problem I have listed how it will affect them in the real world.

One problem with not having access to the Internet is that they will be unable to gain information about services available to them. For example where they can go to get a free hot meal or somewhere to have a wash. When you are homeless these are things that can make your day much better if they are available to use.
Also by not having access to the Internet someone will find it hard to keep up with news about jobs that are coming vacant. This will cause the homeless person to struggle to get the information about the jobs and training.
Finally, not access to the Internet will mean people will be unable to get in contact with that person. As the use of email is free, and cheaper than the cost of a phone.

More Important Things Than The Internet
Below I have listed 5 things that I believe are more important to a homeless person than having access to the Internet. I have also included reasons why.

Health – Without good health someone on the streets would become very ill and die within a few days.
Friends – For people who live on the streets, who often have no family to turn to friends are the only ones who are there to help.
Food – Again without this the homeless person will be dead within a few days. So like good health this is required to live.
Housing – By having a place of residence the homeless person is able to apply for jobs and improve the way in which they live
Money – Without money they will find it hard to do anything. Some places offer free services but everywhere else money is the source to get what they need